LOGISTICS BRIEFS

National wooden pooled pallet leaderCHEP USA, Orlando, will gain some complementary strengths when its parent,Brambles Ltd., Sydney, Australia, completes a $1.2 billion acquisition of IFCO Systems NV, a Dutch competitor. Officials said they expect to complete the deal within nine month pending approvals from European and U.S. regulators.IFCO Systems North America Inc., Houston, provides wood pallet management systems and it supplies reusable plastic containers and pallets to U.S. produce companies.

RCS Logistics, Richmond, Va., said it fitted its tractor fleet with new Exhaust Gas Recirculation engines that reduce emissions. "Our new tractors and engine have been more fuel efficient and allow us to meet new (Environmental Protection Agency emission) standards," says Jeff Fall, RCS Logistics manager. RCS Logistics is a division ofRichmond Cold Storage, Richmond, Va. RCS Logistics' three tractors provide transportation service for Richmond Cold Storage customers throughout central Virginia.

Sodus Cold Storage, Sodus, N.Y., said it hiredTom Gormanas vice president and chief operating officer. Gorman previously held executive posts at Rosenberger Cold Storage.